Now we know

[Timmy the Doc]

Think Newcastle will walk the league like they did last time they were in the championship.

Norwich will be up there no doubt.

Agree, Newcastle will win the league.

[MattyRangers]

No chance Benitez is managing in the Championship.

[easthertsr]

Far too early to guess, squads up and down the league will change rapidly between now and August. Momentum is created in those first 10 games, for what it's worth I think we will be somewhere in the mix next season! I know, I must be mad!

[QPR Rickson]

Newcastle will be a mess next season. Same as villa. Norwich will win it.

[Timmy the Doc]

Saying Newcastle will struggle next year because they lose some players is like saying Man City will be relegated if they lose Toure, Silva and Aguero.

[amusant]

Can see Newcastle walking it. It could be good for the club actually, especially if Rafa is given control.

They're too big a club to get picked apart, and Ashley's not stupid. Sell Wijnaldum, Ayoze, Thauvin, Sissoko and maybe 1 or 2 more and spend the cash brining in a few replacements and they'll be fine./

Villa would be MUCH better off if they hadn't stayed up for the last few years and signed shite like Ayew, Richards, Lescott on big wages.

Of course Rafa has a clause in his contract allowing him to walk if they got relegated. He had nothing to lose by taking them over for the last 10 games, but too much at risk for him to manage them in the Championship - if he failed to get them promoted then his reputation already tarnished by his very brief stay at Real Madrid will be in tatters.

[Norths]

Saying Newcastle will struggle next year because they lose some players is like saying Man City will be relegated if they lose Toure, Silva and Aguero.

No comparison whatsoever.
City lose those players and they bring in similar quality because they're an attractive proposition.
Newcastle wont be spending this summer like they're still in the premier league.

[Timmy the Doc]

No comparison whatsoever.
City lose those players and they bring in similar quality because they're an attractive proposition.
Newcastle wont be spending this summer like they're still in the premier league.

Newcastle will spend enough and they are the most attractive club in the Championship.

[CroydonCaptainJack]

Norwich to go up with Newcastle and villa to both miss playoffs

[1974Rs]

Norwich, I think Newcastle will sell at least half the squad....

[CroydonCaptainJack]

I can't believe how many on here think Newcastle will walk it. I just can't see that. They will have the same problem we had.

[Kevin Mcleod]

I can't believe how many on here think Newcastle will walk it. I just can't see that. They will have the same problem we had.

Totally agree. Same as Villa.
Big time charlie players who won't want to know.
Norwich are another irrelevant club like Burnley but will repeat their feat imo.

[vanhoop]

Majority for the Geordies then ! I think one of the 3 losing playoff teams will win it next season. Going with hull play off winners and think sheff weds champions next. The only team relegated who has half a chance for me is the 6 fingered mob.

[FACTS]

Can see Newcastle walking it. It could be good for the club actually, especially if Rafa is given control.

You reckon he'll be happy to stick around in the championship?
Cant see it myself

As long as another job doesn't emerge... but he wants to manage in England & could build something there. Give him a nice wage and control over transfers & coaching & I could see him saying yes.

His reputation is fine, regardless of what the tabloids said or how he did at Madrid. He's won a league with Valencia and CL with the scousers. Good tournament manager, could actually see him managing the Spanish national side after the Euros.

Ashley's not dumb - he'll spend what he has to to get them back to that Prem TV money. They're a bit of a joke but still haver a much better infrastructure than we did when we went down.

[nasser95]

Villa and Newcastle will hopefully crash and burn, can't stand the clubs to be honest, fans who think they're club has a god given right to be a top 6 team. Come off it, say goodbye to all your first team talent.